PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic — Suspended Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was convicted of sexually abusing a child and handed a two-year suspended sentence Thursday.

Teodosio Jáquez Encarnación tells the Times Friday, as he said in court, that “there is no direct evidence” linking the Rays ...

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor in the Dominican Republic and received a two-year suspended prison sentence.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco was sentenced to two years in prison on Thursday by a judge in the Dominican Republic and found guilty of sexual abuse of a minor, per ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Rays shortstop Wander Franco on Thursday was found guilty on a charge of sexual abuse of a minor, a verdict that may end his major league career. He was sentenced to two years of suspended prison ...

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, left, reacts after hearing his sentence during his trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Wander Franco hit 30 homers and 130 RBI while drawing 92 walks against only 139 strikeouts. He posted a .795 OPS and finished with a WAR of 11.3, including a wins-above-replacement of 5.4 in 2023.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, left, reacts after hearing his sentence during his trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, center, reacts after hearing his sentence during his trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, alongside his lawyers Teodosio Jaquez, left, and Irina ...

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, left, reacts after hearing his sentence during his trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Wander Franco, center, reacts after hearing his sentence during his trial on charges of sexual abuse of a minor, alongside his lawyers Teodosio Jaquez, left, and Irina ...